3rd round—* Insert the needle in the next stitch, draw the thread through the thread round the needle, draw through the same loop again, the thread on the needle, draw through all the loops on the needle; repeat from * for each stitch. Work the round, and make 2 stitches in every 3rd stitch of the round underneath.

4th round—Work the same stitch as last round, and in each successive round, but work between the stitches of the previous round. The work must be kept rather tight. Increase every 5th stitch.

5th round—No increasings.

Work in this manner, increasing gradually, until the work is nearly 7 inches across. This will allow the size to be just under 21 inches; about 22½ is a usual size in hats. The brim of the hat is increased very gradually indeed. Work 4 rounds with no increasings; in the next, divide the work into quarters; work an extra stitch in beginning each quarter; and do the same every 3rd round, which will give the brim the desired slope. When you have worked the top, work round and round, with no increasings, for 6 rounds; then take the contrasting colour and work 1½ inches of it; fasten off. Work another small round of the same stitch in this colour, cover a large button or curtain ring with it, and place at the top of the cap. Line the crown and sides with black silk, and sew a piece of leather, 3 inches deep, round the rim.

Transcriber’s Notes